WO2023197061A1 - Ensemble microfluidique et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble microfluidique - Google Patents
Ensemble microfluidique et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble microfluidique Download PDFInfo
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- WO2023197061A1 WO2023197061A1 PCT/CA2023/050448 CA2023050448W WO2023197061A1 WO 2023197061 A1 WO2023197061 A1 WO 2023197061A1 CA 2023050448 W CA2023050448 W CA 2023050448W WO 2023197061 A1 WO2023197061 A1 WO 2023197061A1
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- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- delivery assembly
- microfluidic
- fluid delivery
- seal
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 24
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 300
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
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- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 23
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- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
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- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000004809 Teflon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006362 Teflon® Polymers 0.000 description 1
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012512 characterization method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005553 drilling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005530 etching Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920001973 fluoroelastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- NBVXSUQYWXRMNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N fluoromethane Chemical compound FC NBVXSUQYWXRMNV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910000856 hastalloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
- B01L3/502715—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
- B01L3/502738—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by integrated valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
- B01L9/52—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
- B01L9/527—Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips for microfluidic devices, e.g. used for lab-on-a-chip
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
- B01L2200/027—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details for microfluidic devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/06—Fluid handling related problems
- B01L2200/0689—Sealing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
- B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
- B01L2400/0487—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure fluid pressure, pneumatics
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/06—Valves, specific forms thereof
- B01L2400/0633—Valves, specific forms thereof with moving parts
Definitions
- This document relates to microfluidics. More specifically, this document relates to manifolds and fluid delivery assemblies usable in microfluidics, and related methods.
- U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20210339258 A1 discloses a microfluidic chip and holder assembly that includes a base having a seat and at least a first fluid channel that extends through the base.
- the first fluid channel has an inlet that is spaced from the seat for connection to a fluid supply and an outlet that is in the seat.
- a microfluidic chip is received by the seat, and the microfluidic chip has a fluid pathway.
- a cover is mounted over the microfluidic chip to sandwich the microfluidic chip between the cover and the base. The cover bears against the microfluidic chip to force the microfluidic chip to bear against the base and form a sealed connection between the outlet of the fluid channel and the fluid pathway of the microfluidic chip.
- a microfluidic assembly includes a microfluidic chip having at least a first inlet/outlet port and a second inlet/outlet port, and fluid pathway providing fluid communication between the first inlet/outlet port and the second inlet/outlet port.
- a manifold supports the microfluidic chip.
- At least a first fluid delivery assembly is coupled to the microfluidic chip by the manifold, for delivering fluid to and/or from the first in let/outlet port.
- the first fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid lumen and a seal.
- the first fluid delivery assembly is movable between a closed configuration in which the seal is advanced to prevent fluid communication between the fluid lumen and the first inlet/outlet port, and an open configuration in which the seal is retracted to allow fluid communication between the fluid lumen and the first inlet/outlet port.
- a pump forces fluid flow between the fluid lumen and the first inlet/outlet port when the first fluid delivery assembly is in the open configuration.
- the seal in the closed configuration, the seal is forced against the first inlet/outlet port to seal the first inlet/outlet port.
- the seal in the open configuration, is spaced from the first inlet/outlet port.
- the manifold includes a receptacle that provides access to the first inlet/outlet port
- the first fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid line that provides the fluid lumen. An end of the fluid line can be received in the receptacle for delivering fluid to and/or from the first inlet/outlet port through the manifold.
- the seal is mounted to the fluid line.
- the fluid line In the closed configuration, the fluid line can be forced towards the microfluidic chip to force the seal against the first inlet/outlet port.
- the fluid line In the open configuration, the fluid line can be moved away from the microfluidic chip to space the seal from the first inlet/outlet port.
- the receptacle includes a chamber adjacent the first inlet/outlet port.
- the end of the fluid line can be received in the chamber both when the fluid delivery assembly is in the closed configuration and when the fluid delivery assembly is in the open configuration. In the open configuration, fluid can be delivered between the first inlet/outlet port and the fluid line via the chamber.
- the seal is mounted to the end of the fluid line and extends around an opening of the lumen.
- the seal can be or can include an o-ring.
- the fluid lumen and the first inlet/outlet port are eccentric.
- the first fluid delivery assembly is biased towards the closed configuration.
- the first fluid delivery assembly can further include an actuator for moving the first fluid delivery assembly towards the open configuration.
- the actuator can be a piezoelectric actuator, and upon activation of the piezoelectric actuator, the piezoelectric actuator can expand to move the fluid delivery line away from the microfluidic chip.
- the first fluid delivery assembly further includes a housing that is mounted to the receptacle and in which the piezoelectric actuator is received.
- the first fluid line can extend through the housing and through the piezoelectric actuator.
- the first fluid delivery assembly further includes a spring housed within the housing for biasing the first fluid delivery assembly towards the closed configuration.
- the manifold includes a base and a cover, and the microfluidic chip is sandwiched between the base and the cover with the base and the cover bearing against the microfluidic chip, for example to apply a confining pressure to the microfluidic chip.
- a microfluidic manifold and fluid delivery assembly includes a manifold for supporting a microfluidic chip. At least a first fluid delivery assembly is provided for delivering fluid to and from the microfluidic chip through the manifold.
- the first fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid lumen and a seal, and the first fluid delivery assembly is movable between a closed configuration in which the seal is advanced through the manifold to prevent flow of fluid through fluid lumen, and an open configuration in which the seal is retracted to allow fluid flow through the fluid lumen.
- the seal in the closed configuration, is forced against a hole to seal the hole.
- the manifold includes a receptacle
- the first fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid line that provides the fluid lumen. An end of the fluid line can be received in the first receptacle for delivering fluid through the manifold.
- the seal is mounted to the fluid line. In the closed configuration, the fluid line can be advanced through the receptacle to advance the seal, and in the open configuration, the fluid line can be retracted through the receptacle to retract the seal
- the receptacle includes a chamber.
- the end of the fluid line can be received in the chamber both when the fluid delivery assembly is in the closed configuration and when the fluid delivery assembly is in the open configuration. In the open configuration, fluid can be delivered to and/or from the fluid line via the chamber.
- the seal is mounted to the end of the fluid line and extends around an opening of the fluid lumen.
- the seal can be or can include an o- ring.
- the first fluid delivery assembly is biased towards the closed configuration.
- the fluid delivery assembly can further include an actuator for moving the first fluid delivery assembly towards the open configuration.
- the actuator can be a piezoelectric actuator, and upon activation of the piezoelectric actuator, the piezoelectric actuator can expand to retract the fluid line.
- the first fluid delivery assembly further includes a housing that is mountable to the receptacle and in which the piezoelectric actuator is received.
- the fluid line can extend through the housing and through the piezoelectric actuator.
- the first fluid delivery assembly further includes a spring housed within the housing for biasing the first fluid delivery assembly towards the closed configuration.
- the manifold includes a base and a cover
- the microfluidic chip is receivable between the base and the cover with the base and the cover bearing against the microfluidic chip, for example to apply a confining pressure to the microfluidic chip.
- a method for operating a microfluidic assembly includes: a) with a microfluidic chip assembled to a first fluid delivery assembly via a manifold, advancing a seal of the first fluid delivery assembly through the manifold, to prevent fluid communication between the first fluid delivery assembly and a first inlet/outlet port of the microfluidic chip.
- advancing the seal includes forcing the seal against the first inlet/outlet port of the microfluidic chip, to seal the first fluid inlet/outlet port.
- step a) includes using a spring to force the seal against the first inlet/outlet port.
- the method further includes: b) retracting the seal to allow fluid communication between the first fluid delivery assembly and the first inlet/outlet port; and c) delivering a fluid from the first fluid delivery assembly into the first inlet/outlet port.
- Step b) can include applying a voltage to a piezoelectric actuator to retract the seal.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example microfluidic assembly, including a microfluidic chip, a manifold (wherein the cover of the manifold is shown removed from the base), a set of fluid delivery assemblies, and a set of pumps;
- Figure 2A is a perspective view of the microfluidic chip of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 2B is a top plan view of the microfluidic chip of Figure 1 ;
- Figure 3A is a cross-section taken through the microfluidic chip, base, and first fluid delivery assembly of Figure 1 , showing the fluid delivery assembly removed from the base;
- Figure 3B is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of Figure 3A;
- Figure 4A is a cross-section taken through the microfluidic chip, base, and first fluid delivery assembly of Figure 1 , showing the first fluid delivery assembly assembled to the base and in the closed configuration;
- Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of Figure 4A;
- Figure 4C is a partial perspective view of the fluid line of the first fluid delivery assembly
- Figure 5A is a cross-section taken through the microfluidic chip, base, and first fluid delivery assembly of Figure 1 , showing the first fluid delivery assembly assembled to the base and in the open configuration;
- Figure 5B is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of Figure 4A;
- Coupled or “coupling” or “connected” or “connecting” as used herein can have several different meanings depending on the context in which these terms are used. For example, these terms can have a mechanical, fluid, electrical or communicative connotation. For further example, these terms can indicate that two or more elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via an electrical element, electrical signal, or a mechanical element depending on the particular context. For further example, these terms can indicate that two or more elements or devices are connected to one another such that fluid may flow between the elements or devices.
- the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.
- fluid delivery assemblies for delivering fluids to and/or from a microfluidic chip, and related assemblies and methods of use.
- the fluid delivery assemblies can generally allow for fluid to be delivered to and/or from a microfluidic chip in a controlled fashion (by allowing for the inlet/outlet ports of the microfluidic chip to be selectively sealed or un-sealed), and with minimal or low dead volume.
- a fluid delivery assembly can direct fluid into and/or out of a microfluidic chip via a manifold, which can generally serve to hold the microfluidic chip and to couple the fluid delivery assembly to the microfluidic chip, while allowing for optical access to the microfluidic chip (e.g. for the purpose of assessing the flow of fluids through the microfluidic chip).
- the fluid delivery assembly can be movable between a closed configuration in which a seal thereof (e.g.
- an o-ring is advanced and optionally forced against the microfluidic chip to prevent fluid communication between the fluid delivery assembly and the microfluidic chip, and an open configuration in which the seal is retracted and optionally spaced from the microfluidic chip to allow fluid communication between the fluid delivery assembly and the microfluidic chip.
- the seal is forced directly against the microfluidic chip in the closed configuration, dead volume is minimized or reduced.
- the fluid delivery assemblies can in some examples be used under high pressure conditions. That is, the fluid delivery assemblies can direct fluid into and/or out of a microfluidic chip under high pressure (e.g. with fluids pressurized to greater than 300 bar, for example up to 1000 bar).
- the fluid delivery assemblies can be used in various types of microfluidic processes and to hold various types of microfluidic chips, but may be particularly useful in microfluidic research involving the modelling of subterranean formations (e.g. oil-bearing shale formations), which can require that high pressure conditions be created in a microfluidic chip.
- the microfluidic assembly 100 generally includes a microfluidic chip 102; a manifold, which includes a cover 104 and a base 106, and which supports the microfluidic chip 102; four fluid delivery assemblies 108 (only three of which are visible in Figure 1 ) coupled to the microfluidic chip 102 via the manifold (i.e. via the base 106 of the manifold), for delivering fluid to and/or from microfluidic chip 102 via the manifold; and a set of pumps 110 for forcing fluid flow between the fluid delivery assemblies 108 and the microfluidic chip 102.
- the microfluidic chip 102 includes a base panel 112 in which various microfluidic features (i.e. inlet/outlet ports and a fluid pathway, described in further detail below) are formed (e.g. by etching or drilling), and a cover panel 114 that is secured to the base panel (e.g. by anodic bonding) and that covers the microfluidic features.
- the base panel 112 is an opaque silicon wafer
- the cover panel 114 is a transparent glass panel that is anodically bonded to the silicon wafer.
- the microfluidic chip 102 allows for optical investigation (e.g. imaging, optionally with the use of an optical microscope and/or video recording equipment and/or a photographic camera) of at least some of the microfluidic features.
- the microfluidic chip may be of another configuration.
- both the base panel and the cover panel can be a transparent glass panel, or the base panel can be a transparent glass panel while the cover panel can be an opaque silicon wafer.
- the microfluidic chip 102 includes a set of inlet/outlet ports 116 (i.e. first through fourth inlet/outlet ports 116).
- a fluid pathway 118 provides fluid communication between the inlet/outlet ports 116. Fluid can enter the microfluidic chip 102 via any one of the inlet/outlet ports 116, and can then flow through the fluid pathway 118 to any other of the inlet/outlet ports 116, where it can then exit the microfluidic chip 102.
- the microfluidic features can be of another configuration.
- a microfluidic chip can include another number of inlet/outlet ports (i.e.
- microfluidic chips usable in the assemblies described herein are disclosed in United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0215541 A1 (Abedini et al.); United States Patent Application Publication No. US 2020/0309285 A1 (Sinton et al.); United States Patent No. 10,001 ,435 (Sinton et al.); International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2021/253112 (Ahitan et al.); International Patent Application Publication No. WO/2022/126252 (Ahitan et al.); and United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/391 ,819 (Soni et al.). Each of the aforementioned documents is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the fluid delivery assemblies disclosed herein can be used with a manifold of any suitable design that supports a microfluidic chip and that couples the fluid delivery assemblies to the microfluidic chip.
- the manifold includes cover 104 and base 106, which are forced together with the microfluidic chip 102 therebetween, to apply a confining pressure to the microfluidic chip 102.
- the manifold can include a cover and a base that are screwed together with a microfluidic chip therebetween, as is described in US patent application publication nos.
- the manifold can include a cover and a base that are forced together with the use of hydraulics, with a microfluidic chip therebetween, as is described in International Patent Application Publication No. PCT/CA2022/050860 (de Haas et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the manifold can be of another design, such as that disclosed in United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/413,698 (de Haas et al.), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- the microfluidic chip 102 is seated on the base 106, and fluids are routed to and from the microfluidic chip 102 through the base 106 (as will be described in further detail below).
- the cover 104 includes a viewing window in which a transparent panel 120 is seated, and a microscope lens (not shown) can be positioned above the cover 104 (and optionally mounted to the cover 104 or another part of the manifold) to view the microfluidic chip 102 through the transparent panel 120.
- the cover 104 and the base 106 can be manufactured from, for example, stainless steel or titanium or a corrosion resistant alloy, and the transparent panel 120 can be, for example, a sapphire panel.
- the pumps used in the assemblies disclosed herein can be of any suitable design that can force fluid through a microfluidic chip, via the fluid delivery assemblies 108 and the manifold, either with positive or negative pressure. That is, as used herein, the term “pump” refers to any apparatus that provides a sufficient pressure differential to force fluid through a microfluidic chip, via the fluid delivery assemblies 108 and the manifold.
- the pump can be a tank with or without a regulator.
- the pumps 110 are syringe pumps.
- the fluid delivery assemblies 108 will be described in greater detail. Particularly, the first fluid delivery assembly 108 will be described in detail.
- the second through fourth fluid delivery assemblies 108 are identical to the first fluid delivery assembly 108, and thus for brevity are not described in detail.
- the base 106 of the manifold, the microfluidic chip 102, and the first fluid delivery assembly 108 are shown assembled together.
- the cover 104 of the manifold is omitted, as are the second through fourth fluid delivery assemblies 108.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 is coupled to the microfluidic chip 102 by the manifold.
- the base 106 includes a receptacle 122, which provides access to the first inlet/outlet port 116 (visible in Figure 3B) of the microfluidic chip 102.
- the receptacle 122 generally includes three sections: a threaded cavity 124, a channel 126, and a chamber 128.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 is inserted into the receptacle 122 and screwed into the threaded cavity 124, to assemble the first fluid delivery assembly 108 to the manifold.
- the chamber 128 is adjacent and open to the first inlet/outlet port 116 of the microfluidic chip 102, and is sealed to the microfluidic chip 102 by an o-ring 130.
- the channel 126 extends between the threaded cavity 124 and the chamber 128, to provide access to the chamber 128 from the threaded cavity 124.
- the manifold further includes an additional o-ring 132, as well as a back up ring 134, for sealing the manifold to the first fluid delivery assembly 108.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 includes housing 136.
- the housing 136 includes an upper section 138, which is screwed into the threaded cavity 124 (labelled in Figures 3A and 3B), a lower section 140, which is screwed to the upper section 138, and a lock nut 142.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 further includes an actuator 144, which is received in the upper section 138.
- the actuator 144 causes movement of the first fluid delivery assembly 108 from the closed configuration towards the open configuration.
- the actuator 144 is a piezoelectric actuator; however, in other examples, other types of actuators are possible.
- the actuator could be or could include a solenoid, a shape memory alloy, or an expanding material (e.g. Teflon with a heater).
- the electrical wiring to the actuator 144 is not shown.
- the actuator 144 has a first end that bears against the upper section 138 of the housing, and a second end that bears against a bearing assembly 146, to protect the actuator 144 from rotational forces.
- the bearing assembly 146 in turn bears against a block and fitting assembly 148 (described in further detail below).
- the block and fitting assembly 148 in turn bears against a biasing member 150.
- the biasing member 150 is a spring; however, in other examples, other types of biasing members are possible.
- the biasing member 150 in turn bears against the lower section 140 of the housing.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 further includes a fluid line 152, which defines a fluid lumen 154 (visible in Figure 4B).
- the fluid line 152 extends from the first pump 112 (shown in Figure 1 ) and into the lower section 140 of the housing 136.
- the fluid line 152 then extends through the biasing member 150, through the block and fitting assembly 148, through the bearing assembly 146, through the actuator 144, and out of the upper section 138 of the housing 136.
- the fluid line 152 then extends through the fluid channel 126 of the receptacle 122 (labelled in Figure 3B), and the end 156 of the fluid line 152 is received in the chamber 128 (labelled in Figure 3B).
- the fluid lumen 154 is open at the end 156 of the fluid line 152.
- the fluid line 152 can be, for example, stainless steel or Hastelloy tubing.
- the block and fitting assembly 148 includes a fitting 158 and a block 160.
- the fitting 158 is fixedly secured to the fluid line 152 (e.g. by compression fitting), and is screwed into the block 160. Accordingly, longitudinal movement of the block and fitting assembly 148 through the housing 136 (e.g. due to force applied by the biasing member 150 or due to activation of the actuator 144, as will be described below) causes longitudinal movement of the fluid line 152.
- the fluid delivery assembly includes a seal 162, which in the example shown is mounted to the end 156 of the fluid line 152 and extends around the opening of the fluid lumen 154.
- the seal 162 can be, for example, a sheet of rubber, a fluorocarbon-based fluoroelastomer o- ring, or another elastomeric seal.
- the seal can be of another configuration.
- the seal may not extend entirely around the opening of the fluid lumen 154.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 is movable between a closed configuration in which fluid communication between the first fluid delivery assembly 108 and the first inlet/outlet port 116 is prevented, and an open configuration in which fluid communication between the first fluid delivery assembly 108 and the first inlet/outlet port 116 is allowed.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 is shown in the closed configuration.
- the actuator 144 is in a neutral state (e.g. with zero voltage or a relatively low voltage applied to the actuator 144), and thus the biasing member 150 forces the block and fitting assembly 148 towards the microfluidic chip 102, which in turn forces the fluid line 152 towards the microfluidic chip 102.
- the seal 162 is thus forced against the first inlet/outlet port 116 to seal the first inlet/outlet port 116, which prevents fluid communication between the fluid lumen 154 and the first inlet/outlet port 116.
- any fluid forced through the microfluidic chip 102 e.g. via the other inlet/outlet ports 116) generally cannot exit the microfluidic chip 102 via the first inlet/outlet port 116, and fluid forced from the pump 112 through the fluid line 152 generally cannot enter the microfluidic chip 102 via the first fluid inlet/outlet port 116.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 is shown in the open configuration.
- the actuator 144 is activated (i.e. by applying a DC voltage thereto, or by increasing the DC voltage applied thereto) and expands longitudinally, to retract the fluid line 152 through the receptacle 122 (labelled in Figure 3B) and away from the microfluidic chip 102.
- the actuator 144 forces the bearing assembly 146 away from the microfluidic chip 102, which in turn forces the block and fitting assembly 148 away from the microfluidic chip 102, which in turn compresses the biasing member 150.
- the movement of the block and fitting assembly 148 away from the microfluidic chip 102 causes movement of the fluid line 152 away from the microfluidic chip 102, to retract the seal 162 and space the seal 162 from the first inlet/outlet port 116 of the microfluidic chip 102.
- the fluid lumen 154 is in fluid communication with the first inlet/outlet 116 port via the chamber 128 (labelled in Figure 3B). Fluid can thus be delivered between the first inlet/outlet port 116 and the fluid line 152 via the chamber 128.
- fluid forced through the microfluidic chip 102 can exit the microfluidic chip 102 via the first inlet/outlet port 116, and fluid forced from the pump 112 through the fluid line 152 can enter the microfluidic chip 102 via the first fluid inlet/outlet port 116.
- the actuator 144 may be ceased, thus allowing the biasing member 150 to expand, to advance the fluid line 152 back towards the microfluidic chip 102, and thus advance the seal 162 through the receptacle 122 such that the seal is again forced against the first inlet/outlet port 116.
- the fluid line 152 may move by a relatively small amount, for example by between about 30 microns and 250 microns (e.g. by about 50 microns). Thus, whether in the closed configuration or the open configuration, the end 156 of the fluid line 152 remains in the chamber 128.
- the fluid delivery assembly 108 seals directly to the microfluidic chip 102, dead volume within the assembly 100 is minimized or reduced.
- the fluid delivery assembly may seal to another element, such an element of the manifold. That is, the seal 162 may be advanced through the manifold to seal to a hole of the microfluidic chip such as the fluid inlet/outlet port, or to a hole within the manifold.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 is biased towards the closed configuration.
- the first fluid delivery assembly 108 can be biased towards the open configuration.
- the biasing member 150 can be received in the upper section 138 of the housing 136, and the actuator 144 can be received in the lower section 140 of the housing 136.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Reciprocating Pumps (AREA)
Abstract
L'invention concerne un ensemble microfluidique comprenant une puce microfluidique comprenant des premier et second orifices d'entrée/sortie, et un passage de fluide entre les premier et second orifices d'entrée/sortie. Un collecteur supporte la puce microfluidique. Un ensemble de distribution de fluide est couplé à la puce microfluidique par le collecteur pour distribuer un fluide vers/depuis la puce microfluidique. L'ensemble de distribution de fluide comprend une lumière de fluide et un joint d'étanchéité, et est mobile entre une configuration fermée dans laquelle le joint d'étanchéité est avancé pour empêcher une communication fluidique entre la lumière de fluide et le premier orifice d'entrée/sortie, et une configuration ouverte dans laquelle le joint d'étanchéité est rétracté pour permettre une communication fluidique entre la lumière de fluide et le premier orifice d'entrée/sortie. Une pompe force l'écoulement de fluide entre la lumière de fluide et le premier orifice d'entrée/sortie lorsque l'ensemble de distribution de fluide est dans la configuration ouverte.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US202263329966P | 2022-04-12 | 2022-04-12 | |
US63/329,966 | 2022-04-12 |
Publications (1)
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WO2023197061A1 true WO2023197061A1 (fr) | 2023-10-19 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/CA2023/050448 WO2023197061A1 (fr) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-04-03 | Ensemble microfluidique et procédé de fonctionnement d'un ensemble microfluidique |
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WO (1) | WO2023197061A1 (fr) |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003089138A2 (fr) * | 2002-04-16 | 2003-10-30 | University Of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation | Dispositif microfluidique |
WO2015048798A1 (fr) * | 2013-09-30 | 2015-04-02 | Gnubio, Inc. | Dispositif de cartouche microfluidique, et procédés d'utilisation et d'assemblage |
US20210339258A1 (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2021-11-04 | Interface Fluidics Ltd. | Holder for a microfluidic chip |
-
2023
- 2023-04-03 WO PCT/CA2023/050448 patent/WO2023197061A1/fr unknown
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003089138A2 (fr) * | 2002-04-16 | 2003-10-30 | University Of Hertfordshire Higher Education Corporation | Dispositif microfluidique |
WO2015048798A1 (fr) * | 2013-09-30 | 2015-04-02 | Gnubio, Inc. | Dispositif de cartouche microfluidique, et procédés d'utilisation et d'assemblage |
US20210339258A1 (en) * | 2018-08-23 | 2021-11-04 | Interface Fluidics Ltd. | Holder for a microfluidic chip |
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